Warmer days ahead after winter chill, thunderstorms possible
New Zealand is set for a warming trend this week following record-breaking cold temperatures over the weekend. However, residents in the South Island and parts of the North Island should prepare for incoming rain and potential thunderstorms.
Why it matters
Extreme weather fluctuations impact public safety, travel plans, and agricultural operations across the country.
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After a chilly weekend, most of the country can defrost this week as temperatures start to rise.
But it's not all sunshine and rainbows as an incoming band of rain means some parts must brace for possible thunderstorms, especially in the South Island.
MetService said much of the country had their coldest morning of the year in the early hours of Sunday morning and even Aucklanders woke to frost-coated lawns.
Overnight minimum air temperatures recorded in some airports were the coldest of the year including Auckland Airport (2.5°C), Christchurch Airport (-3.8°C), Taupo Airport (-4.2°C) and Mount Cook Airport (-11.5°C).
The coldest air temperature recorded in the country was -12.5°C at Lake Tekapo and in the North Island, temperatures plunged to -6.2°C around the central plateau.
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